Breaking the silence : understanding the impact of bullying on Maltese youth and the science behind effective interventions

Abstract

Research shows that bullying can disrupt brain structure and function, especially over prolonged periods. When children experience bullying, their bodies release high levels of cortisol, the main stress hormone, which affects two critical areas in the brain: the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Hippocampus: Essential for learning, memory, and emotional control, the hippocampus is vulnerable to high cortisol levels. Damage here affects a child's ability to regulate emotions, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. Over time, children may develop "learned helplessness", a feeling of powerlessness that lowers self-esteem and fuels ongoing fear. [excerpt]